Kisami Ohama Beach

BEACH

The Izu Peninsula is full of gorgeous beaches, which is why it’s such a popular resort during the summer season. Kisami Ohama Beach is a 770m long beach with a great coastal view and is popular among families and surfers.

There is a car park available. It is free most of the year but paid during summer.

Review

Kisami Ohama Beach is a fairly small beach along the southern coast of the Izu Peninsula. I’ve only visited the beach during off-peak season so I’m unsure how popular it gets during summer when all the tourists flock to Izu. It’s a little bit more difficult for tourists to get to so there is a chance this is more of a beach for locals.

The Ryugu Sea Cave and Sand Surfing Resort is very nearby so make sure to stop by if you’re in the area. This area doesn’t have too much else to do so it would be good to include in your itinerary if you’re staying near Shimoda.

ADDRESS

Kisami Ohama Beach,
1900-13 Kisami,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0028

+81558223913 (Japanese only)
https://www.city.shimoda.shizuoka.jp/category/100300itiban_resort/110786.html (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Ryugu Sea Cave is easiest to get to by car, however if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the Izukyu Line. Switch to the bus bound for Touji (田牛) and get off at Ohama Coast (大浜海岸).

Perry Road

SCENIC WALK

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

This area is very famous for being the road that Perry marched along to Ryosenji temple. Namako walls and Izu stone houses can be seen lining the river. There are numerous stores and cafes along the path.

There is a car park available for you to use.

Review

The pathway marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

The area is mostly a tourist attraction to take pictures, with plenty of local stores and cafes to keep you entertained. Make sure to nip in to the different places and see what local specialities/home-made crafts they have to offer.

There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Perry Road,
14 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

+81558223913 (Japanese only)
http://www.shimoda-city.com/#we-page-entry?spot=122150&cat=11071&pageno=3&type=spot&theme=theme-1 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is a car park near Shimoda Park for you to use. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Muramatsu Haruo Monument

STATUE

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

The monument is found within Shimoda Park, a park famous for its azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer and camellias in winter. It is one of the many monuments celebrating Japan’s opening to the world.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The statue marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the monument other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Muramatsu Haruo Monument,
18 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the monument, however you are able to use the car park for Shimoda Park. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Monument of Japan’s Opening to the World

STATUE

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

The monument is found within Shimoda Park, a park famous for its azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer and camellias in winter. It is one of the many monuments celebrating Japan’s opening to the world. It was erected in May 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Shimoda Port.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The monument marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the monument other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Monument of Japan’s Opening to The World,
17-11 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

+81558223913 (Japanese only)
https://www.city.shimoda.shizuoka.jp/category/100100midokoro/110769.html (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the monument, however you are able to use the car park for Shimoda Park. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Admiral Perry’s Arrival Memorial Stone

STATUE

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

This memorial stone is a bust of Perry and an anchor donated by the US Navy.

There are two car parks you can use. Either use the Shimoda Park car park or the Perry Road car park.

Review

The statue marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

There isn’t much to do at the statue other than read and take some pictures so make sure to pack more into your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”.

ADDRESS

Admiral Perry’s Arrival Memorial Stone,
6-6 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

Phone number unavailable
https://www.city.shimoda.shizuoka.jp/category/100100midokoro/110767.html (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is no set car park for the statue, however you are able to use the ones for the other amenities. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Cape Tsumeki

VIEWPOINT

Cape Tsumeki is located on the south-east coast of the Izu Peninsula. On a good day you can see the seven Izu islands across the ocean. 3 million daffodils also bloom from mid to late January every year, enhancing the beauty of the area. The area is a geosite famous for the “columnar joints” you can see along the cliffs.

There is a paid car park available costing ￥500 for a day.

Review

The shocking white lighthouse against the gorgeous coast is an amazing sight to behold. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area. Cape Tsumeki has a nature path leading around the lighthouse and the surrounding area. If you have the time then why not follow the path and see where it leads?

This area is famous for the “columnar joints”, long pillar-like rock formations along the coastline. If you look along the cliff you can see that the rock has been shaped. Cape Tsumeki is part of the Izu Geopark.

ADDRESS

Cape Tsumeki,
Suzaki,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0014

Phone number unavailable
http://www.shimoda-city.com/#we-page-entry?spot=122258&cat=11073&pageno=3&type=spot&theme=theme-1

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the JR Ito Line. Switch to the bus bound for
Tsumekizaki (爪木崎) and get off at the last stop. You will need to walk from here to the cape.

Tsumekizaki Lighthouse

VIEWPOINT

The Tsumekizaki Lighthouse is located on the south-east coast of the Izu Peninsula. On a good day from the startling white lighthouse you can see the seven Izu islands across the ocean. 3 million daffodils also bloom from mid to late January every year, enhancing the beauty of the area.

There is a paid car park available costing ￥500 for a day.

Review

The shocking white lighthouse against the gorgeous coast is an amazing sight to behold. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area. Cape Tsumekizaki has a nature path leading around the lighthouse and the surrounding area. If you have the time then why not follow the path and see where it leads?

The lighthouse itself is closed to the public (or was when I visited in April 2021). The walk up to the lighthouse is beautiful on a clear day and a great spot to take pictures. There are also numerous photo spots set up where you can take pictures of the lighthouse through different heart-shaped objects.

There are some steps leading up to the lighthouse but the walk from the car park to the lighthouse isn’t actually that far so even the most unfit people should be able to manage!

ADDRESS

Tsumekizaki Lighthouse,
Suzaki,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0014

+81558230118 (Japanese only)
https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/03kanku/onetapview/tsumekisakilh/tour.html

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the JR Ito Line. Switch to the bus bound for
Tsumekizaki (爪木崎) and get off at the last stop. You will need to walk from here to the lighthouse.

Cape Ogasaki

VIEWPOINT

The Izu Peninsula’s east coast is full of breathtaking, overlooked viewpoints, waiting to be explored. Located along the main road, I definitely recommend stopping here especially if you’re driving in the area. There is a public toilet and vending machines available. I especially recommend visiting during the sunset as sunsets along the Izu Peninsula are amazing!

There is a small free car park available.

Review

This was another accidental find for me while I was driving around the peninsula. I often drive to see what I can find that aren’t big tourist destinations. It can be quite easy to miss the turn into the car park as it’s quite small. It’s also very difficult to get a parking space when the weather is good.

Apart from the view, toilets and vending machines there isn’t anything else to do here. I recommend stopping to take some pictures, appreciate the scenery and then head onto your next destination. I wouldn’t make the trip down here just for this so make sure you put more things in your itinerary!

ADDRESS

Cape Ogasaki,
Shirahama,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0012

Phone number unavailable
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?pid=2534 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

It’s easier to get to the cape by car. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Kawazu Station. Switch to the bus headed for Kaneharashako (金原車庫) and alight at the Cape Ogasaki bus stop (尾ヶ崎).

Shirahama Shrine Beach Tori Gate

VIEWPOINT

As well as being the oldest shrine in the Izu peninsula, Shirahara Shrine is home to a gorgeous tori gate overlooking the ocean! It’s a definite must-see if you’re in the area, especially if you’re looking for the perfect “Instagrammable” spot.

There is a car park available with the first hour free.

Review

Shirahama Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the whole peninsula. Rich with over 2,400 years of history and a gorgeous tori gate overlooking the ocean, it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the area then definitely take the time to look around and take that Instagrammable shot!

Head out from the shrine either via the car park entrance or the front entrance and head to the tori gate. Make sure you bundle these together if you’re visiting!

Heading through the first tori gate, you’ll immediately find yourself on Shirahama Beach. You will most likely fun many other people here as this beach is not only famous, but the tori gate is one of the most well-known places in this area. To take a photo make sure you line up (if there is a line) and wait your turn. Don’t just jump in. When I got there, some women were just sitting there in the way of the photos so we weren’t able to take any good shots. Don’t be this kind of tourist! Wait your turn and move out of the way when you’re done!

ADDRESS

Shirahama Shrine,
2741-5 Shirahama,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0012

+81542619030 (Japanese only)
http://www.ikonahime.com/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

It’s easier to get to the beach by car however there is no free parking nearby. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. Switch to the bus headed for Itadoichiki (板戸一色行) and alight at Shirahama Shrine Bus Stop.

Shirahama Shrine

SHRINE

Shimoda is home to the oldest shrine in the Izu area. Built more than 2,400 years ago, Shirahama Shrine is believed to have the power to bless people with success in business, relationships and traffic safety. It is famous for the tori gate overlooking the beach nearby. There also seems to be a path up the mountain, however this is closed off towards closing time so make sure to get here early!

There is a car park available with the first hour free.

Review

Shirahama Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the whole peninsula. Rich with over 2,400 years of history and a gorgeous tori gate overlooking the ocean, it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the area then definitely take the time to look around and take that Instagrammable shot!

The shrine itself is pretty small with not much to do. The entrance is very picturesque so definitely head in via the front entrance. We arrived after closing so I wasn’t able to climb up the mountain stairs to give you a review of that. I’ll definitely head up next time!

Head out from the shrine either via the car park entrance or the front entrance and head to the tori gate. Make sure you bundle these together if you’re visiting!

ADDRESS

Shirahama Shrine,
2741-5 Shirahama,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0012

+81542619030 (Japanese only)
http://www.ikonahime.com/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

It’s easier to get to the beach by car however there is no free parking nearby. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. Switch to the bus headed for Itadoichiki (板戸一色行) and alight at Shirahama Shrine Bus Stop.